Our New President The Lauriston Foundation

We are delighted to welcome Elise Gillespie (OL 1999) as the incoming President of The Lauriston Foundation. We thank Alice Robinson (OL 1991) for her service to the Foundation, including three years as President, after her retirement at the 2023 AGM.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of trustees, composed of the President, and members elected by membership category. The Board’s charter is to oversee appropriate and accountable management of funds held by the Lauriston Foundation and ensure all matters of governance are adhered to.

Elise and her husband, David Christie, are current Lauriston parents and run the family-owned international business that is Bakers Delight. With over 700 bakeries operating across four countries – Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand – Elise’s career trajectory is a shining example of entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.

As well as running an internationally successful business, the Gillespie family are strong advocates for community and big supporters of philanthropic pursuits.

Roger Gillespie OAM and Lesley Gillespie OAM, Elise’s parents, played a significant role in establishing Howqua: Roger was on the School Council and was involved in the search for a site for the campus with Ruth Tideman AM. When Elise attended Howqua there were only four Houses: Gillespie, Fitz-Gibbon, Thompson and O’Brien. Lauriston has benefited greatly from the Gillespie family’s generous contributions and Elise’s passion is evident.

When asked about the impact Howqua has had on her life, Elise reflects: “Howqua fosters teamwork, courage, independence and resilience which are critical life skills and certainly skills I need daily at work.”

Established in 1984, The Lauriston Foundation was Melbourne’s first instituted in a girls’ independent school, with the immediate aim of raising funds for a swimming pool complex. In the years since, the Foundation has helped build Lauriston’s reputation as a leading girls’ school within Australia and internationally, galvanised community engagement and created lasting connections for current and past parents, staff and alumnae.